The Javelinas took the lead in the first set and pulled away for a 25-16 win. In the second set the Rattlers took an early lead at 9-5, but the Javelinas rallied with a 9-2 run to take a 14-11 lead. TAMUK held the lead until the Rattlers responded with a 5-1 run to pull with one at 21-20 on an ace by Allison Avalos (Jr., El Paso). TAMUK came back by taking five of the last six points to win the set 25-21. In the third set the Javelinas ran out to a 7-1 lead and rolled to the 25-11 win.

Stephanie Crowell (Jr., The Woodlands) had seven kills to lead the Rattlers. Kori McCarver (So., San Antonio) and Holly Moreno (Fr., Pearland) had five kills each. Valerie Teter (Sr., San Antonio) led the way defensively with nine digs.

With the loss St. Mary’s fell to 3-5 this season and has lost five straight matches. Texas A&M-Kingsville improved to 2-7. The Rattlers will return to action on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. when they host the Texas MedClinic Regional Crossover Tournament against Abilene Christian University. The tournament, which was originally scheduled for Friday and Saturday, was moved to Thursday and Friday due to the threat of Hurricane Ike.